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Coming soon! A dress ? made from 100% plant roots that captures CO2!

3 min read

Sustainable Planet
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Amazing things can happen when science, art and nature combine. This green and versatile material has plenty of potential applications, including fashion.

Combining a blend of nature, art and science

Had you ever considered using roots as clothing? In the near future that might just be an option, because German-born artist Diana Scherer is working on that very possibility right now. Combining a blend of nature, art and science, Diana has been producing some fascinating materials with very promising results.

The dynamics of below ground plant parts: Working in collaboration with the University of Nijmegen, Diana has been testing plant roots as a medium for creating patterns and networks, to harness the power of the botanical matter and its uncanny ability to adapt to its surroundings. Source: BrightVibes

Sources: GreenGuuds, Facebook/DianaScherer

How do the roots know which way to grow?

For two years Diana Scherer studied the best way to “domesticate” the plants and their roots systems and how this differs in every plant, both in the shape and structure. For example she learned that chamomile has rough, woolly roots and grass silky ones; that oat and wheat are easy to train, but daisy roots grow slowly and with less structural conviction.

The artist places the seeds in a template and allows the roots grow into it, following the predetermined pattern of the template as they grow.

By controlling the roots and domesticating them to do her bidding, and by adjusting the density and even the strain of the seeds, Diana has been able to produce a variety of different textures.

By planting the seeds in a template the roots will grow in a predetermined pattern. This opens up endless possibilites for different patterns and textures.
The potential for patterns and textures is virtually limitless. By planting the seeds in a template the roots will grow in a predetermined pattern. This opens up endless possibilites for different patterns and textures. Source: Facebook/SchererLab
The living plants inspire carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and some of that CO2 is stored in the roots.
While the plant is living it takes on carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The living plants inspire carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and some of that CO2 is stored in the roots. Source: Facebook/SchererLab

Fashion, flooring and even potential automotive applications!

The next phase is looking into applications for the green technology, including fashion, flooring, and even the possibility of automotive applications.

In collaboration with the University of Nijmegen, Diana is currently working on how to create a more durable structure.

Diana Scherer on her stunning, practical, imaginative work.
“In my work I explore the relationship man has with his natural environment and his desire to control nature.” Diana Scherer on her stunning, practical, imaginative work. Source: Facebook/SchererLab
From concept to execution and the limitless possibilites for this green technology, the whole thing is reall rather beautiful. Literally on differnet levels it's a winner.
The whole process is really quite beautiful, quite literally on different levels. From concept to execution and the limitless possibilites for this green technology, the whole thing is reall rather beautiful. Literally on differnet levels it’s a winner. Source: Facebook/SchererLab
While some of Diana's work is displayed in frames on the walls, another piece is still in the growth phase.
Art, nature, science: While some of Diana’s work is displayed in frames on the walls, another piece is still in the growth phase. Source: Facebook/SchererLab
Would you be happy to wear roots-fabrics?
Diana is hoping to grow a dress below gound in the coming year. Would you be happy to wear roots-fabrics? Source: Facebook/SchererLab
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